This is a highly anticipated examination of the popular film and fiction consumed by Britons in the 1920s and 1930s. Departing from a prevailing emphasis on popular culture as escapist, Christine Grandy offers a fresh perspective by noting the enduring importance of class and gender divisions in the narratives read and watched by the working and middle classes between the wars. This compelling study ties contemporary concerns about ex-soldiers, profiteers, and working and voting women to the heroes, villains and love-interests that dominated a range of films and novels. Heroes and happy endings further considers the state’s role in shaping the content of popular narratives through censorship. An important and highly readable work for scholars and students interested in cultural and social history, as well as media and film studies, this book is sure to shift our understanding of the role of mass culture in the 1920s and 1930s.

"e;Hollywood 'happy ending' has long been considered among the most famous and standardised features in the whole of narrative filmmaking. Yet, while ceaselessly invoked, this notorious device has received barely any detailed attention from the field of film studies. This book is thus the first in-depth examination of one of the most overused and under-analysed concepts in discussions of popular cinema. What exactly is the 'happy ending'? Is it simply a cliche, as commonly supposed? Why has it earned such an unenviable reputation? What does it, or can it, mean? Concentrating especially on conclusions featuring an ultimate romantic union - the final couple - this wide-ranging investigation probes traditional associations between the 'happy ending' and homogeneity, closure, 'unrealism', and ideological conservatism, testing widespread assumptions against the evidence offered by a range of classical and contemporary films. "e;

Using the lens of popular culture, Heroes explores the ways that our perceptions of heroism and villainy affect the way people behave in heroic and villainous ways. Allison and Goethals use psychology to explore how these important concepts shape our lives and our world.

Damon has a secret... Every Friday night, the F5F partner who is the quiet powerhouse leaves on the dot of five without explanation. Where does Damon go? What does he do? His partners want to know, but Damon can't bring himself to share the truth about his mom's battle with cancer. She's the anchor in his life and he doesn't know how he'll go on without her. In the middle of the night, when he's most alone, he wants to control all the variables for someone, to prove he's not completely powerless. He doesn't expect to find such a willing, or seductive, volunteer... Haley loves solving mysteries... Especially ones like the gorgeous guy who visits her favorite patient every Friday night. He must be Natasha's son, but is he also the model on the billboard for that fitness club downtown? Where did he learn therapeutic massage? Even though she's a nurse, Haley's interest in him and his skill isn't just professional. She wants to feel those hands on her own skin, for as long as possible. One night, she takes a chance and asks for a lesson from him, only to discover that she has a hunger for the sensation only Damon can satisfy. This story was previously published under the title In the Midnight Hour. This edition has a new epilogue.

Cassie has everything she wants... Cassie Wilson's life is pretty much perfect, with a dream job, great partners—and the freedom to do as she pleases. The last thing she wants is to go back to Montrose River, the town she couldn't wait to leave, and revisit the past. But when her oldest friend asks her to be a godmother, Cassie sees an opportunity to make a difference in Emily's life. Maybe teaching Emily to dream big will be her legacy. Besides, one weekend in the Midwest won't kill her. She'll be back in Manhattan so quickly that they won't have time to miss her at Flatiron Five Fitness. Reid knows what he wants... Reid Jackson is convinced that luck has to be made. Keeping his eyes open has been the secret to his triumph over his past, along with a lot of hard work. He might have come from the wrong side of the tracks, and he might have the reputation of being bad to the bone, but he's built his own brand of success. When Cassie Wilson comes breezing back into town, Reid is ready to find out if she really is different from everyone else. Cassie turns his expectations inside out, fulfilling his dreams and shaking up his routine. But when Cassie decides she wants more than a fling, Reid knows he's not the man she wants him to be—can Cassie convince him to hope for more? An earlier version of this story was published under the title Some Guys Have All the Luck.

Some people will do anything for love—even if they have to fake it. Jen Maitland had no use for handsome guys with easy charm—until she met Zach. He's the perfect fake date to end her mother's matchmaking scheme before it starts. Besides, he'd probably just use her and leave her like her ex-fiancé did. At least that's what Jen tells herself. The only problem is that Zach isn't as predictable as he appears... Zach Coxwell hates commitment, but loves a challenge. Like the pretty bar waitress who turned him down flat for a date—only to invite him to her family's Thanksgiving dinner. Zach knows he can make Jen smile—and he's betting that he can unravel her mysteries—even if he has to do it over candied yams. A tofu turkey, a sister who threatens to have Zach's love-child, the untimely appearance of a knitted avocado—and Zach's discovery of her real motive—combine to turn Thanksgiving dinner into Jen's worst nightmare. Zach, on the other hand, has the time of his life. And when he makes Jen smile, he finally finds a commitment he's willing to make—but persuading Jen to believe him will take everything he's got...

Kyle wants it all... Kyle Stuyvesant doesn't believe in love and romance. His parents taught him there's no such thing as forever, and he took the lesson to heart. After all, there's only one woman who ever tempted him to want more than one hot night together. Fortunately for his convictions, she's married to another guy. Problem solved—until Lauren's husband cheats and Kyle isn't just the bearer of bad news, but the man she calls for comfort... Lauren demands his all... After Lauren's marriage implodes, she wants to lose herself in pleasure. Who knows that territory better than Kyle, who once seduced her completely? Lauren never forgot that wonderful night and, now that she's suddenly single, Kyle's rule of no love or romance has a new appeal. All she wants is satisfaction, but when Kyle realizes he needs more, will he be able to convince Lauren to take a chance on forever again, this time with him? An earlier version of this story was published under the title, Addicted to Love.